Calendar: October 5-11

Shalom Hartman fellow Yossi Klein Halevi serves as Beth Jacob Congregation’s Shabbat scholar in residence. Author of the new book “Like Dreamers,” which explores the story of the soldiers who reunited Jerusalem and divided a nation, Klein Halevi will give the Shabbat morning drash and speak during a community lunch-and-learn as well as during a Melava Malka at a private residence. Thu. 9 a.m. (services), 11 a.m. (lunch), 8:30 p.m. (Melava Malka). RSVP required for lunch-and-learn: $35 (adults), $25 (children). Beth Jacob, 9030 W. Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills. (310) 278-1911. bethjacob.org.

“GARY BASEMAN: MYTHICAL HOMELAND”

The door is always open. Even if you missed Gary Baseman’s retrospective at the Skirball earlier this year, you’re still in luck. The painter, illustrator, performance artist, toy designer and TV/movie producer brings an extension of that retrospective to Venice. With a playful and dark aesthetic, Baseman pays homage to his family and creates wonder for his viewers. Through Dec. 14. Sat. 7-9 p.m. (opening reception). Free. Shulamit Gallery, 17 N. Venice Blvd., Venice. (310) 281-0961. shulamitgallery.com.

SUN | OCT 6

THE CAPITOL STEPS

Aggravated with Congress? Well, laugh at its expense! This improv troupe has been mocking our elected officials for more than 25 years, and they know what they’re talking about — they’ve all been staffers for the politicians they satirize. With 30 albums to their name and past venues like NBC, CBS and NPR, the group has a handle on clever comedy. There will be song parodies, costumed skits and some good old-fashioned stand-up. Sun. 4 p.m. $45. American Jewish University, 15600 Mulholland Drive, Los Angeles. (310) 440-1547. aju.edu.

MON | OCT 7

“FROM SCRATCH: INSIDE THE FOOD NETWORK”

A book launch party has never tasted so good — and so informative. Join Mozza’s Nancy Silverton, Midtown Lunch’s Zach Brooks and pastrami scholar Lara Rabinovitch as they discuss New York Times’ Allen Salkin’s new book. A panel discussion on the history of the Food Network and the Hollywoodization of cuisine includes Susan Feniger, Bruce Seidel and Karen Katz. Sat. 7 p.m. Free. The Border Grill, 445 S. Figueroa St., downtown. RSVP to lara@lararabinovitch.com.

THU | OCT 10

MARTY SKLAR

Once upon a time, a 19-year-old started as a member of Disney’s creative team. And then he worked happily ever after. Come listen to highlights from five decades of magic-making in Sklar’s new memoir “Dream It! Do It!: My Half-Century Creating Disney’s Magic Kingdoms.” Serving as Walt Disney’s right-hand man, and eventually becoming the creative executive of Walt Disney Imagineering, Sklar will guide attendees through the reality behind the whimsy. A Q-and-A and book signing follow the program. Thu. 8 p.m. Free (reservations recommended). Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 440-4500. skirball.org.

THE IDAN RAICHEL PROJECT

Do yourself a favor and join the more than half-million people who have listened to Raichel’s music. The Israeli singer-songwriter has transformed the idea of music as a universal language into something tangible. Singing in Hebrew, Spanish, Arabic, Amharic and Swahili, Raichel truly blends and binds nations and peoples. Named Musical Group of the Decade in Israel in 2010, The Project promises to deliver. Thu. 8 p.m. $30-$75, $15 (UCLA Students). Royce Hall, 340 Royce Drive, Los Angeles. (310) 825-2101.

LONG BEACH JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL

It’s four days of the best Jewish-themed films from around the world! Opening night kicks off with a reception and screening of “Hava Nagila (The Movie).” Other films include the documentaries “The Flat” and “God’s Fiddler,” indie comedy “Putzel” and World War II drama “Süskind.” Through Oct. 13. Thu. 6:30 p.m. (reception), 7:30 p.m. (screening). $10. Alpert Jewish Community Center, 3801 E. Willow St., Long Beach. (562) 426-7601, ext. 1021. alpertjcc.org/filmfest.

FRI | OCT 11

“EINSTEIN ON THE BEACH”

It is a rare revival of a groundbreaking collaboration. Philip Glass and Robert Wilson joined forces in 1976 to create one of the greatest artistic achievements of the 20th century. Unconventional, non-narrative and fully visual with the help of choreography by Lucinda Childs, it will help viewers understand that knowing what you’re looking at isn’t as important as simply taking a look. Through Oct. 13. Fri. 6:30 p.m. $83-$312. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown. (213) 972-8001. laopera.com.

“SLEEPING WITH THE FISHES”

Alexis Rodriguez Fish finds her life to be a little bit of a disaster after the recent death of her cheating husband, so she decides to spend some time with her zany Latino-Jewish family. With an overbearing mother, encouraging father and quirky sister, Alex re-engages with her roots in an effort to grow. Writer/director Nicole Gomez Fisher creates a relatable and poignant visit home for all of us. The screening is part of the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival. Fri. 7 p.m. $13. TCL Chinese Theatres, 6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. (323) 446-2770. sleepingwiththefishes.eventbrite.com.

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